Market Information
Middle East and North Africa

The Biotechnology Market in Israel

September 2003

Prepared by the
Market Research Centre
and the
Canadian Trade Commissioner Service

© Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(FaxLink no. 1100005)

Report prepared by the Market Research Centre
Market Support Division (TCM)
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
125 Sussex Drive, Ottawa K1A 0G2
Fax: (613) 943-1103
E-mail: mrc@dfait-maeci.gc.ca

The Market Research Centre produces a wide range of market reports by region and sector for Canadian exporters. These reports are available from:

- DFAIT's InfoExport Internet site ( www.infoexport.gc.ca).

The Government of Canada has prepared this report based on primary and secondary sources of information. Readers should take note that the Government of Canada does not guarantee the accuracy of any of the information contained in this report, nor does it necessarily endorse the organizations listed herein. Readers should independently verify the accuracy and reliability of the information.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Israeli biotechnology market is a small, emerging market with an estimated value of $1.7 billion1. The industry comprises 160 companies and employs 4000 people. In 2001, Israel's biotech sector received approximately $428.6 million in venture capital, an increase of 42% from 2000. Israel's biotech strengths are in therapeutic pharmaceuticals, bio-informatics, agro-bio (animal and plant products) and diagnostics.

Israel has a highly diverse population, providing researchers with a heterogenous population for clinical trial research. Lower costs for conducting clinical trials and a history of bringing new products to an advanced stage of development more rapidly than anywhere else in the world make Israel an attractive place for foreign companies to conduct clinical trials or establish research partnerships.

The best prospects for growth in the Israeli biotech industry are in bio-electronics, pharmacogenomics, proteomics, bio-informatics and structure-based drug design. Opportunities are also available in the growing agricultural biotech sector, where research is focussed primarily on the development of seeds and transgenic plants. Fish cultures and algae are also growing research areas.

Prospective exporters are recommended to use the services of a local representative/distributor or local agent who has a thorough knowledge of the market and is well-connected with key players.

MARKET OVERVIEW

Israel offers a sophisticated and diversified marketplace for goods and services. Despite its relatively small population of six million people, Israel is still a country with a high volume of imports (both raw materials and finished goods).

The Israeli biotechnology market was worth an estimated $1.7 billion in 2001 and is forecast to reach $2.9 billion by the end of 2003, with continued growth expected over the long term. The industry comprises 160 companies and employs 4000 people. In 2001, Israel's biotech sector received approximately $428.6 million in venture capital; an increase of 42% from 2000.

The Israeli government strongly supports the biotech industry with programs to match research funding, establish technology incubators and encourage international cooperation. In the past few years, research emphasis has shifted from the development of diagnostics and agricultural products to pharmaceuticals and biopharmaceuticals.

Source: Innovation Relay Centre Israel. "Biotechnology in Israel: Realizing its Full Potential," 2002. Downloaded from www.irc.org.il/biotech/Vernia.htm on February 12, 2003

The Israeli biotech industry has yet to achieve the level of maturity and development of its competitors, particularly when compared to the United States, Canada, Germany or the United Kingdom. The potential for progress, however, is significant because of strong government support and the emergence of several large- and medium-sized firms with sufficient infrastructure to develop and test new products.

The Office of the Chief Scientist (OCS) of the Ministry of Industry and Trade2 as well as the Ministry of Science, Culture and Sport are responsible for biotech development in the country.

Although there are several academic and research institutes in Israel, most of the country's biotech research and development (R&D) is centred around the Weizmann Institute of Science and four universities: Bar Ilan University, Ben Gurion University, Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv University.

Agricultural Biotechnology

Agricultural and veterinarian products account for 23% of the biotech market in Israel and over 40% of country's total biotech exports are in agricultural biotechnology. Approximately 80% of research in this sector is devoted to plant biotechnology, particularly the development of seeds and transgenic plants as well as bio-pest control. The remaining 20% is focussed on veterinarian biotechnology.

Although genetically modified (GM) crops and food products are a significant topic of public debate in Israel, the government has not yet issued a policy on GM organisms.

A number of domestic companies are active in agricultural biotechnology including Abic BioBee, AgroGreen, Hazera, Gedera, Rahan Meristem, Vitality and Zeraim. Most agricultural research is conducted at the Volcani Institute and the Hebrew University Faculty of Agriculture.

Diagnostics

Diagnostics account for 4% of Israel's biotech market but is expected to grow in the coming years. Most of this area of biotechnology is focussed on immunological and genetic assays for pathogens. Leading local companies include Gamida-Gen, Orgenics, Rahan Meristem and Savyon.

Medical Biotechnology

Biopharmaceuticals are the most significant sector of the Israeli biotech market. However, the distinction between traditional pharmaceutical firms and those employing biotechnology in the development of medical products is difficult to establish.

Therapeutic pharmaceuticals account for 67% of total biotech sales in the country. The three leading therapeutic areas in Israel include neurology disorders, cancer and auto-immune systems disorders; approximately 66% of biotech drugs produced are in these areas. Other products under development currently include recombinant heparanase, cell therapies for spinal cord traumas, human monoclonal antibodies, structurally shaped peptides and new drug generations.

There were 36 domestic firms working in this sector in 2001. Leading companies include Pharmos, Peptor Ltd., Insight, Omri, XTL Pharmaceuticals, Teva Pharmaceuticals, D-Pharm, QBI Enterprises, Keryx Biopharmaceuticals and Proneuron Biotechnologies. With sales totalling $87 million annually, Swiss-owned InterPharm is the leading multinational in Israel's biopharmaceutical market.

In spite of a rapidly expanding medical industry, the Israeli market is still quite dependent on imported goods. Imported pharmaceuticals accounted for approximately 50% of the $1.7 billion market in 2001. Imports primarily originate from the United States, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium and the United Kingdom; Canadian imports have had a marginal share of about 1% in recent years.

Key Factors Shaping Market Growth

Despite a thriving venture capital sector and a world-renown academic infrastructure, Israel's full potential in biotechnology has not been realized. However, the biotech industry is now on the government's national agenda and a strategy has been devised to support its growth over the next 10 years. There is strong government support for the biotech industry within Israel through programs to match research funding, establish technology incubators3 and encourage international co-operation.

According to the Israeli Industry Center for Research and Development (MATIMOP), the Office of the Chief Scientist has established priority areas for the new biotech initiative:

• establishing two world-class incubators dedicated solely to biotechnology;
• improving and expanding the industry's physical infrastructure; and
• providing funding, through the OCS-run NOFAR program4.

Israel has a highly diverse population as a result of years of immigration, providing researchers a heterogenous population for clinical trial research. Lower costs for conducting clinical trials and a history of bringing new products to an advanced stage of development more rapidly than anywhere else in the world make Israel an attractive place for foreign companies to conduct clinical trials or establish research partnerships.

Opportunities

The Israeli biotech market is a small, emerging market that holds significant opportunities for Canadian companies, especially in strategic partnering with Israeli biotech companies for joint R&D and international marketing. Analysts predict that by the end of 2003, the number of biotech companies in Israel will jump from 160 to as many as 250.

Israel is expected to become a centre for the development of biopharmaceuticals and generic medications. The best prospects for growth in the industry are in bioelectronics, nanotechnology, pharmacogenomics, proteomics, bio-informatics and structure-based drug design. The growing agricultural biotech sector also holds potential for Canadian companies. Genetically developed hybrid seeds for fruits, vegetables and cotton, as well as fish cultures and algae are currently the main areas of research.

Currently, Israeli biotech firms tend to sell their early-stage technology to international investors or multinational concerns, rather than take the risk to develop the product further. Combining Canadian and Israeli talents could see additional development in both countries within this sector.

Canadian companies interested in fostering R&D relationships with Israeli companies are encouraged to consult the Web site of the Israeli Industry Center for Research and Development (MATIMOP). MATIMOP is a public non-profit organization that promotes collaborations for the development of advanced technologies. The Web site www.matimop.org.il contains a database outlining co-operative program opportunities that span a range of advanced technologies.

COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT

Local Capabilities

In the life sciences field, there are seven universities, five technical colleges and ten specialized research institutes engaged in advanced biotechnological research. An estimated 35% of all academic scientists in Israel work in the life sciences field and approximately 60% of Israeli scientific publications are focussed on agricultural or health-related fields. As a result, Israel has one of the world's most skilled and educated work forces, having more doctors, scientists and engineers per capita than any other nation.

Areas where major advances in biotechnology have been made include the use of molecular modelling to design new and improved drugs, synthetic polyamino acids for drug development, drug delivery techniques and drug design by peptide modification.

Israel accounts for 2.5% of biotech sales in the world and is second only to the United States in terms of new, start-up biotech companies.

International Competition

Israel has signed international co-operation agreements with governments from Canada, Singapore, the United States, the United Kingdom and Korea to encourage collaboration for biotech R&D.

Canadian Position

Canadian biotech companies are well-positioned to provide joint-venture partnerships, public education initiatives, and commercialization expertise to the Israeli biotech industry, as well as a broad range of products resulting from Canada's R&D efforts.

Canada's strengths in applying biotechnology to agricultural commercialization may be of interest to Israeli producers and researchers. The Canadian agricultural biotech industry has already received government approval for a number of genetically altered products.

Several Canadian companies have found success in the Israeli biotech market through collaborations with local companies:

• Montreal-based Q-biogene and BioLabs of Jerusalem have together developed a reagent kit for use in gene therapy research;
• Diagnocure (Quebec City) and Compugen (Tel Aviv) are collaborating on the development of a nucleic acid, probe-based diagnostic kit for early detection of lung cancer;
• Bioxel Pharma (Quebec City) and Jerusalem-based Polygene are developing polymeric implants for the delivery of anti-cancer drugs to localized tumor sites; and
• Mikro-Tech (Timmins, Ontario) and Rahan Meristem (Kibbutz Rosh Hanikra) entered into a joint venture to improve the quality of plants propagated from seed or from tissue cultures.

Competitive Advantage through Canadian Government Policies and Initiatives

Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement

The 1997 Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement (CIFTA) improves market access for products of export interest to both Canada and Israel and eliminates virtually all tariffs on industrial goods. It has partially restored Canada's competitive position in the Israeli market, where the United States and European Union have gained preferential access through negotiated bilateral agreements. Canadian exports have increased by 30% since the CIFTA came into effect. See www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/tna-nac/cifta-e.asp for more information on the CIFTA.

Canada-Israel Industrial Research and Development Foundation

The Canada-Israel Industrial Research and Development Foundation (CIIRDF), established in 1994 to promote collaborative, bilateral R&D, helps Canadian companies create bilateral links with Israeli partners. CIIRDF and the National Research Council of Canada are working together to create a platform for joint ventures in the fields of photonics and biotechnology. A critical connection to accelerate this new strategy will be made in Israel, courtesy of the MAGNET program. In the identified technology areas, CIIRDF will prepare step-by-step roadmaps and organize annual Canada-Israel roundtables aimed at identifying priority opportunities for co-operative projects.

Canadian Commercial Corporation

The Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) gives Canadian companies access to financing and better payment terms under the Progress Payment Program (PPP). The PPP concept was developed as a partnership between major Canadian financial institutions and the CCC. It enables the exporter's bank to open a project line of credit for the exporter's benefit, based on CCC approval of the project and the exporter's ability to perform. The CCC will also act as a prime contractor on behalf of Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises, giving those businesses increased credibility and competitive advantage.

Export Development Canada

Export Development Canada (EDC) offers export financing and insurance to Canadian exporters. Additionally, insurance can be provided for larger transactions that are subject to the terms and conditions established by the buyer. EDC prefers to work through letters of credit, bank credits or bank guarantees. Approval for financing is considered on a case-by-case basis.

Program for Export Market Development

The Program for Export Market Development (PEMD) helps Canadian companies enter new markets by sharing the costs of activities that companies normally could not or would not undertake alone, thereby reducing risks involved in entering a foreign market. Eligible costs and activities include market visits, trade fair participation abroad, incoming buyers, product testing for market certification, legal fees for international marketing agreements, air transportation costs of offshore company trainees, product demonstration costs and other costs necessary to execute a market development plan. Activity costs are shared on a pre-approved, 50/50 basis.

The PEMD refundable contribution ranges from $5000 to a maximum of $50 000. Preference is given to companies with fewer than 100 employees for a firm in the manufacturing sector and 50 in the service industry, or with annual sales between $250 000 and $10 million. Other components of the program include international bid preparation (Capital Projects Bidding) and, for trade associations, developing international marketing activities for their membership. For additional information visit www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/pemd or call 1-888-811-1119.

Virtual Trade Commissioner

The Virtual Trade Commissioner (vTC) is a new on-line service offered by Canada's Trade Commissioner Service of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. Through a personalized and password-protected Web page, vTC-registered Canadian exporters will receive timely and relevant information on contacts and business opportunities in targeted foreign markets. The vTC offers registered users direct on-line access to market information, including market reports, business news, events and business leads related to the companies' industry sectors and markets of interest. Users can request services on line from a trade commissioner responsible for their industry sector in their target markets. They will also automatically receive new information as it becomes available. Canadian exporters can register for a Virtual Trade Commissioner at www.infoexport.gc.ca.

PRIVATE-SECTOR CUSTOMERS

Israel's 630 privately owned pharmacies represent the second-largest group of customers for pharmaceutical products (the publicly funded health-care system is the primary customer). The two largest drug store chains are SuperPharm and NewPharm.

PUBLIC-SECTOR CUSTOMERS

An advanced health-care system exists in both the private and public sectors in Israel, with total health expenditures estimated at about 9% of the gross domestic product (or $14.4 billion in 2001). The public sector consumes 90% of both imported and locally produced pharmaceuticals.

Since 1995, health insurance is guaranteed to all Israeli citizens. All residents are required to register with one of the health-care organizations, which provide a standard and extensively subsidized selection of health services and drugs through one of four public "sick funds". The largest of the sick funds, Kupat Holim Clalit, is the primary purchaser of drugs in Israel. The other sick funds include Macabi, Leummit and Meuhedet. The country's sick funds account for approximately 80% of total pharmaceutical expenditure in Israel; the remaining 20% is divided among the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Health and the private sector.

Government Organizations

The Ministry of Health is responsible for Israel's overall health policy and for providing direct services to the public through the operation of autonomous heath-care units. Participation at annual trade fairs can help to develop company and product exposure to this market segment.

MARKET LOGISTICS

Israel's largest cities have well-developed transportation systems and are easily accessible from Israel's largest free ports: Haifa and Ashdod on the Mediterranean Sea and Eilat, on the Red Sea's Gulf of Aqaba. Eilat is home to the country's only free-trade zone. All major ports offer good-quality warehousing but growing demand has rendered capacity problems.

Israel has 610 kilometres of standard gauge railway and 15 965 km of highways. There are eight main airports located primarily in the largest cities; Ben-Gurion International Airport is the largest.

Channels of Distribution

Good representation is the key to success in the Israeli market. Prospective exporters are recommended to use the services of a local representative/distributor or local agent who has a thorough knowledge of the market and is well-connected with key players.

Importers, Agents and Distributors

Exporters new to the Israeli market are advised to appoint a local agent that has an understanding of the local market, good contacts with the Ministry of Health, the sick funds and other major players, and the ability to promote products effectively. There is an unspoken understanding and trust within Israel's business community that welcomes foreign partners and sales, but looks for a local who "knows you."

An importer of pharmaceutical products must have a licence and be a resident of Israel, or be a representative of a corporation registered in Israel. As a result, Canadian companies must either establish an office in Israel, or hire a distributor for their products. For assistance locating an agent or distributor, contact the Canadian Embassy in Israel.

Market-entry Considerations

Suggested Business Practices

Israel's two official languages are Hebrew and Arabic. However, English is readily used, especially by the business community, and an increasing number of Israelis speak or read French. Many other languages are also spoken.

The business environment is westernized but likely to be less formal in both dress (especially during the summer months) and the use of first names without titles. Increasingly, businesses are moving toward a five-day working week, from Sunday until Thursday. Common office hours are from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Friday.

The financial sector is modern and efficient with a full range of financial institutions and instruments. There are few restrictions on foreign investment and investors and the regulatory environment and tax system favour foreign companies and investors. The Consular Affairs Bureau of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade's (DFAIT) provides country-specific travel information reports and advisories at www.voyage.gc.ca/destinations/menu_e.htm. Canadians travelling to Israel should pay particular attention to their personal security and follow news reports carefully, as the security situation can change rapidly.

Import Regulations

The Government of Israel requires that food and health products be registered with the Ministry of Health before they can be sold in the country. Sanitary regulations are governed by mutual agreements under membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO).

The Ministry of Health imposes strict controls on the importation of pharmaceuticals. Medical drugs and substances for their preparation may be imported only through a licence holder who is either an Israeli resident or a representative of a company registered in Israel. To obtain a licence, a Registration of Medicinal Products must be submitted to the Ministry of Health. Since 1998, there has been a concerted effort to speed up the approval process for drugs imported from Canada, the United States, the European Union, Japan and Australia. Accordingly, drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and/or the European Medical Regulation Agency will be licensed by the Ministry within two months, rather than the usual four-month period.

Free trade agreements have been signed by Israel with the European Union (1975), the United States (1985), the European Free Trade Alliance (1992) and Canada (1997). Under these agreements, there are no custom duties on pharmaceutical imports from these trading partners.

Most imports are free of licensing and quantitative restrictions. All imports are subject to a 15% cost, insurance, freight value port fee, as well as a 18% value-added tax (VAT). The VAT is recovered by the importer upon the resale of the goods and is paid ultimately by the consumer, in the final retail price.

The Israeli government has not yet issued a formal policy on GM organisms (GMOs). However, the country follows the European model for GMO labelling, whereby products containing over 1% of protein or DNA from a modified organism must be labelled as such.

Intellectual Property Protection

Israel is a member of the World Intellectual Property Organization, the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property, the Patent Co-operation Treaty, the Universal Copyright Convention and the Berne Copyright Convention. As a member of the WTO, Israel complies with the Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement.

Patents

Israeli patent laws protect both the process and the product and is granted for 20 years from the date of the application, subject to payment of renewal fees. The owner of a patent must provide a local address when applying for a patent and the title must appear in both Hebrew and English (specifications, however, may be in either English or Hebrew). The "first to file" principal applies, whereby the first or prior use of a patent does not protect the owner from infringement by someone else who applies first for a patent in Israel. The use of the services of a patent attorney is recommended.

Generic Drugs

Through 1998 and 1999, Israel amended its patent laws to permit domestic manufacturers of generic drugs to develop generic versions of patented drugs prior to the expiration of the 20-year patent protection for the innovator. While the laws restrict production for use in research and for filing applications to regulatory authorities, Israel has no effective safeguards to restrict commercial exports.

The Israeli pharmaceutical market relied previously on licensed technology from foreign companies, or had to license their technology to large-scale manufacturers. Israeli generic drug manufacturers have now become large enough to undertake the commercial development of pharmaceuticals. These companies are opposed to any delay in R&D until after the full period of patent protection has expired.

The revised Israeli patent laws allow Israeli generic alternatives to be marketed as soon as the patent expires, when Israel's competitors would only be starting development of alternatives. This gives Israeli companies a jump start on generic drug competitors, and generally results in Israeli generic manufacturers gaining a larger portion of the market.

Fearing the erosion of their competitive advantage, the United States and the European Union oppose Israel's revised patent laws and are considering taking the matter to the under the TRIPS Agreement. Furthermore, the European Union and the United States do not allow imports of generics while the patented drug is still protected and have threatened sanctions against Israel over Israel's interpretation of the TRIPS Agreement. This objection, however, will not prevent other nations from purchasing Israeli exports.

Canadian exporters are advised to follow this issue closely and take all necessary precautions to protect intellectual property.

Trademarks

Applications for trademark protection may be made by the owner or their agent with written authorization from the owner. All applicants must present a local address and pay the required fee of approximately $200. The term of trademark protection is seven years but is renewable indefinitely for periods of 14 years upon payment of required fees. Priority of registration is given to the first local user of the trademark and every application must specify goods or services falling within one class only. Under the terms of the Paris Convention, where an application to register a trade or service mark in another signatory country has been made, the applicant has a right to claim priority for registration of the same trademark in Israel for the same use.

Local Standards, Certificates or Registrations

Standard documentation includes a certificate of origin, a commercial invoice and a bill of lading. All imports into Israel must have a label indicating the content, weight and volume of the shipment, the country of origin, the name and address of the producer and the Israeli importer. In all instances Hebrew must be used. English may be added provided it appears no larger than the Hebrew print.

In addition, specific labelling regulations may apply to various types of pharmaceuticals. Exporters are advised to consult with Israeli authorities or their local agent/importer to obtain specific requirements.

Export Credit Risks, Restrictions on Letters of Credit, Currency Controls

Despite the security situation and political upheavals, conditions for financing in Israel remain favourable. Payment is usually done through a letter of credit. Credit terms last 60-90 days. In cases where distribution arrangements are concluded, exporters are advised to prepare a contract detailing all major points of agreement, rights and responsibilities.

Local currency delays are, on average, one month. Although local currency payments are generally made by importers within two weeks, foreign exchange delays of two months are reported. The current import cover is 5.8 months.

PROMOTIONAL EVENTS

Event:
BioEurope 2003
November 17-19, 2003
Hyatt Regency Hotel
Frankfurt, Germany

• Organizer:
  E.B.D. Group
  Pettenkoferstrasse 35
  80336 Muenchen, Germany
  Tel.: (49-89) 5139-9803
  Fax: (49-89) 5442-0214
  E-mail: bioeurope@ebdgroup.com
  Internet: www.ebdgroup.com/bioeurope

Event:
BioANALIZA
January 26-28, 2004
Tel Aviv Fairgrounds
Tel Aviv, Israel
International laboratory equipment exhibition and trade fair

• Organizer:
  Stier Group Ltd.
  12 Tverski St.
  Tel Aviv, 67210 Israel
  Tel.: (972-3) 562-6090
  Fax: (972-3) 561-5463
  E-mail: expo@stier.co.il
  Internet: www.stier.co.il/SG_ENG/Medax/main_med.htm

Event:
Medax
March 2-4, 2004 (Annual)
Tel Aviv Fairgrounds
Tel Aviv, Israel
International exhibition on medical supplies and technology

• Organizer:
  Stier Group Ltd.
  12 Tverski St.
  Tel Aviv, 67210 Israel
  Tel.: (972-3) 562-6090
  Fax: (972-3) 561-5463
  E-mail: expo@stier.co.il
  Internet: www.stier.co.il/SG_ENG/Analiza/main_ana.htm

Event:
Bio-Tech Israel 2004 (Conference and Exhibition)
May 2004 (Annual)
Israel Trade Fair and Convention Centre
Tel Aviv, Israel

• Organizer:
  Kenes International
  Bio-Tech Israel 2003 Conference
  PO Box 56
  Ben Gurion Airport, 70100 Israel
  Tel.: (972-3) 972-7500
  Fax: (972-3) 972-7555
  E-mail: bio-tech@kenes.com
  Internet: www.kenes.com/biotech

KEY CONTACTS AND SUPPORT SERVICES

Canadian Government Contacts

Canadian Embassy in Israel
3 Nirim St.
Tel Aviv, 67060 Israel
Contact: Mona Mansour-Ashkar, Commercial
Officer
Tel.: (972-3) 636-3351
Fax: (972-3) 636-3385
E-mail: mona.mansour-ashkar@dfait-maeci.gc.ca
Internet: www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/telaviv

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Sir John Carling Building
930 Carling Ave.
Ottawa, ON K1A 0C5
Contact: Cheryl Lockhart, International Market
Development Officer
Tel.: (613) 759-7746
Fax: (613) 759-7505
E-mail: lockhartc@agr.gc.ca
Internet: ats.agr.ca

Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC)
50 O'Connor St., Suite 1100
Ottawa, ON K1A 0S6
Tel.: (800) 748-8191 or (613) 996-0034
Fax: (613) 995-2121
Internet: www.ccc.ca

Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT)
125 Sussex Dr.
Ottawa, ON K1A 0G2
Internet: www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca
Authentication and Service of Documents
(JLAC)
Tel.: (613) 992-6602
Fax: (613) 992-2467
Market Support Division (TCM)
Contact: Christopher Duggan, Trade Commissioner
Tel.: (613) 996-1431
Fax: (613) 943-8820
E-mail: christopher.duggan@dfait-maeci.gc.ca

DFAIT Cont.
Middle East Division (GMR)
Contact: Mona Bieber, Trade Commissioner
Tel.: (613) 944-6994
Fax: (613) 944-7975
E-mail: mona.bieber@dfait-macei.gc.ca

Export Development Canada (EDC)
151 O'Connor St.
Ottawa, ON K2P 2L8
Tel.: (800) 850-9626/ (613) 598-2500
Fax: (613) 598-6697
E-mail: export@edc4.edc.ca
Internet: www.edc.ca

Health Canada
International Affairs Directorate
Brooke Claxton Building, Room 814A
Postal Locator 0908A
Tunney's Pasture
Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9
Tel.: (613) 941-3136
Fax: (613) 952-7417
Internet: www.hc-sc.gc.ca

Industry Canada
Life Sciences Branch
PO Box 940, Station A
1801 Hollis St.
Halifax, NS B3J 2V9
Contact: Mark Craig, Industry Development
Officer, Bio-Industries
Tel.: (902) 426-9958
Fax: (902) 426-2624
E-mail: craig.mark@ic.gc.ca
Internet: strategis.gc.ca

National Research Council Canada
1200 Montreal Rd., Bldg. M-58
Ottawa, ON K1A 0R6
Tel.: (613) 993-9101
Fax: (613) 952-9907
E-mail: info@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
Internet: www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

Canadian Industry Associations

Association of Health Technologies Industry
8475 Christophe-Colomb Ave.
PO Box 175, Youville Station
Montreal, QC H2P 2V4
Contact: Lorraine Beaudoin, President
Tel.: (514) 383-3268
Fax: (514) 383-3263
E-mail: info@aits.ca
Internet: www.aqfim.com

BioAtlantech
PO Box 636, Station A
Fredericton, NB E3B 5A6
Tel.: (506) 444-2444
Fax: (506) 444-5662
E-mail: jargall@fundy.net
Internet: www.bioatlantech.nb.ca

BioEast
2nd Floor, Spencer Hall
220 Prince Phillip Dr.
St. John's, NL A1B 3X5
Tel.: (709) 737-4527
Fax: (709) 737-4029
E-mail: info@bioeast.ca
Internet: www.bioeast.ca

BIONova
c/o The Nova Scotia Biotechnology and Life
Sciences Industry Association
1721 Lower Water St.
Halifax, NS B3J 1S5
Tel.: (902) 421-5705
Fax: (902) 421-2733
E-mail: info@bionova.ns.ca
Internet: www.bionova.ns.ca

BioQuebec
6100 Mount Royal Ave.
Montreal, QC H4P 2R2
Tel.: (514) 733-8411
Fax: (514) 733-8272
Internet: www.bioquebec.com

BIOTECanada
130 Albert St., Suite 420
Ottawa, ON K1P 5G2
Tel.: (613) 230-5585
Fax: (613) 563-8850
E-mail: info@biotech.ca
Internet: www.biotech.ca

Biotechnology Alberta
10th Floor, Manulife Place
10180-101 St.
Edmonton, AB T5J 3S4
Tel.: (780) 425-3804
E-mail: info@bioalberta.com
Internet: www.bioalberta.com/home/index.cfm

British Columbia Biotechnology Alliance
1188 W Georgia St., Suite 1430
Vancouver, BC V6E 4A2
Tel.: (604) 669-9909
Fax: (604) 669-9912
Internet: www.bcbiotech.ca

Business Development Bank of Canada
5 Ville Marie Place, Suite 400
Montreal, QC H3B-2G2
Tel.: (888) 463-6232
Fax: (514) 283-0617
Internet: www.bdc.ca

Canadian Agri-Food Research Council
Building 60, Heritage House
Central Experimental Farm
Ottawa, ON K1A 0C6
Tel.: (613) 234-2325
Fax: (613) 234-2330
Internet: www.carc-crac.ca

Canada-Israel Industrial Research and Development Foundation (CIIRDF)
875 Carling Ave., Suite 430
Ottawa, ON K1S 5P1
Tel.: (613) 724-1284
Fax: (613) 724-1134
E-mail: HRothschild@ciirdf.ca
Internet: www.ciirdf.ca

Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters Association (CME)
National Office
1 Nicholas St., Suite 1500
Ottawa, ON K1N 7B7
Tel.: (613) 238-8888
Fax: (613) 563-9218
Internet: www.cme-mec.ca

Canadian Medical Association
1867 Alta Vista Dr.
Ottawa, ON K1G 3Y6
Tel.: (800) 457-4205 or (613) 731-9331
Fax: (613) 236-8864
Internet: www.cma.ca

ExportMed International
8475 Christophe-Colomb Ave.
Montreal, QC H2M 2N9
Tel.: (514) 383-3241
Fax: (514) 383-3242
E-mail: info@exportmed.com
Internet: www.exportmed.com

Toronto Biotechnology Initiative
PO Box 446 Station A
Toronto, ON M5W 1C2
Tel.: (416) 392-4780
Fax: (416) 397-0906
E-mail: info@torontobiotech.org
Internet: www.torontobiotech.org

Israeli Government Contacts

Embassy of Israel
50 O'Connor St., Suite 1005
Ottawa, ON K1P 6L2
Tel.: (613) 567-6450
Fax: (613) 237-8865
E-mail: embisrott@cyberus.ca

Agricultural Research Organization
Volcani Center
PO Box 6
Bet Dagan, 50250 Israel
Tel.: (972-3) 968-3111
Fax: (972-3) 966-5327
Internet: www.agri.gov.il

Central Bureau of Statistics
3 Kaplan St.
PO Box 187
Kiryat Ben Gurion
Jerusalem, 91919 Israel
Tel.: (972-2) 655-3553
Fax: (972-2) 655-3325
E-mail: cbs@cbs.gov.il
Internet: www.cbs.gov.il

Ministry of Agriculture
Agricultural Centre
PO Box 50200
Bet Dagan, 50250 Israel
Tel.: (972-3) 948-5555
E-mail: pniot@moag.gov.il
Internet: www.moag.gov.il

Ministry of Finance
1 Kaplan St.
Kiryat Ben Gurion
Jerusalem, 13195 Israel
Tel.: (972-2) 531-7111
Fax: (972-2) 563-7891
Internet: www.mof.gov.il

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Hakirya, Romema
Jerusalem, 91950 Israel
Tel.: (972-2) 530-3111
Fax: (972-2) 530-3367
Internet: www.mfa.gov.il

Ministry of Health
2 Ben Tabai St.
PO Box 1176
Jerusalem, 91010 Israel
Tel.: (972-2) 670-5705
Fax: (972-2) 623-3026
E-mail: pniot@matat.health.gov.il
Internet: www.health.gov.il

Ministry of Industry and Trade
30 Agron St.
PO Box 299
Jerusalem, 91002 Israel
Tel.: (972-2) 622-0220
Fax: (972-2) 624-5110
Internet: www.moit.gov.il
Investment Promotions Centre
30 Agron Street
Jerusalem, 94190 Israel
Tel.: (972-2) 622-0661
Fax: (972-2) 622-2412
E-mail: infoipc@moit.gov.il
Internet: www.moit.gov.il/tamas_en.htm
Registration of Medicinal Products
Registration Unit - Pharmaceutical Administration
2 Ben Tabai St.
PO Box 1176
Jerusalem, 91010 Israel
Tel.: (972-2) 678-7672
Fax: (972-2) 678-6491

Ministry of Science, Culture and Sport
Government Offices, Building C
Hakirya Hamizrachit
Jerusalem, 91490 Israel
Tel.: (972-2) 581-1220
Fax: (972-2) 581-1613
Internet: www.most.gov.il (In Hebrew)

Office of the Chief Scientist (OCS)
4 Mevo Hamatmid St.
PO Box 2197
Jerusalem, 91021 Israel
Tel.: (972-2) 677-0500
Fax: (972-2) 624-8159

Israeli Industry Contacts

Canada-Israel Industrial Research and Development Foundation (CIIRDF)
In Israel
PO Box 50364
Tel Aviv, 61500 Israel
Tel.: (972-3) 754-9580
Fax: (972-3) 754-9582
E-mail: adi.riza@ciirdf.co.il
Internet: www.ciirdf.ca

Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce
84 Hahashmonaim St.
Tel Aviv, 67011 Israel
Tel.: (972-3) 563-1010
Fax: (972-3) 561-9027
E-mail: chamber@chamber.org.il
Internet: www.chamber.israel.net

Israel Biotechnology Organization (IBO)
Chemical and Pharmaceutical Division
Industry House
29 Hamered St.
Tel Aviv, 68125 Israel
Tel.: (972-3) 519-8875
Fax: (972-3) 519-8718
E-mail: chemical@industry.org.il

Israel Export Institute
29 Hamered St.
Tel Aviv, 68125 Israel
Tel.: (972-3) 514-2830
Fax: (972-3) 514-2902
Internet: www.export.org.il/IsraelExportInstitute

Israeli Industry Center for Research and Development (MATIMOP)
Industry House
29 Hamered St.
PO Box 50364
Tel Aviv, 61500 Israel
Tel.: (972-3) 511-8111
Fax: (972-3) 517-7655
E-mail: rdinfo@matimop.org.il
Internet: www2.matimop.org.il/1/index.html

Israeli Medical Association
39 Shaul Hamelech St.
Tel Aviv, Israel
Tel.: (972-3) 696-9639
Fax: (972-3) 695-6103
Internet: www.ima.org.il/en

Manufacturers Association of Israel
29 Hamered St.
PO Box 50022
Tel Aviv, 61500 Israel
Tel.: (972-3) 519-8814
Fax: (972-3) 519-8770
E-mail: trade@industry.org.il
Internet: www.industry.org.il

Israeli Academic R&D and Research Centres

B.G. Negev Technologies & Applications Ltd.
Ben Gurion University of the Negev
Beer Sheva, 84105 Israel
Tel.: (972-8) 646-1908/9
Fax: (972-8) 627-6420
E-mail: orabgn@bgumail.bgu.ac.il
Internet: www.bgu.ac.il/bgn

Bar Ilan Research Authority
Bar Ilan University
Ramat Gan, 52900 Israel
Tel.: (972-3) 531-8441
Fax: (972-3) 535-6088
E-mail: birnd@mail.biu.ac.il
Internet: www.biu.ac.il/RND

Dimotech Ltd.
Gutwirth Science Based Industries Center
Technion City, Haifa, 32000 Israel
Tel.: (972-4) 823-5829
Fax: (972-4) 832-0845
E-mail: lamiel@techunix.technion.ac.il
Internet: www.technion.ac.il/technion/dimotech

Hadasit - Medical Research Services and Devlopment Ltd.
PO Box 12000
Jerusalem, 91120 Israel
Tel.: (972-2) 677-8757
Fax: (972-2) 643-7712
Internet: www.hadasit.co.il

Israel Institute for Biological Research
24 Reuven Lehrer St.
PO Box 19
Ness Ziona, 74100 Israel
Tel.: (972-8) 938-1656
Fax: (972-8) 940-1404
E-mail: mambi@iibr.gov.il

Life Science Research Israel Ltd. (LSRI)
PO Box 139
Ness Ziona, 74100 Israel
Tel.: (972-8) 940-0987
Fax: (972-8) 940-1443
E-mail: lsri@netvision.net.il
Internet: www.gca.gov.il/reshut/1997/heb/621.htm (In Hebrew)

Migal-Galilee Technological Center
Southern Industrial Zone
PO Box 831
Kiryat Shmona, 11016 Israel
Tel.: (972-4) 695-3511
Fax: (972-4) 694-4980
Internet: www.migal.org.il

Ramot of Tel Aviv University: The Technology Transfer Company
32 H. Levanon
PO Box 39296
Tel Aviv 61392, Israel
Tel.: (972-3) 640-6121
Fax: (972-3) 640-6675
E-mail: ramot@post.tau.ac.il
Internet: www.tau.ac.il/ramot

Yeda Research and Development Company Ltd.
PO Box 95
Rehovot, 76100 Israel
Tel.: (972-8) 947-0617
Fax: (972-8) 947-0739
E-mail: info.yeda@weizmann.ac.il
Internet: yeda.weizmann.ac.il

Yissum Technology Transfer Company of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Hi-Tech Park, Edmond J. Safra Campus
Givat Ram, Jerusalem
PO Box 39135
Jerusalem, 91390 Israel
Tel.: (972-2) 658-6688
Fax: (972-2) 658-6689
Internet: www.yissum.co.il

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Print

Business Data Israel Ltd. "The Biotechnology Sector in Israel," September 2001.

Dun & Bradstreet. Exporters' Encyclopaedia. "Israel," 2002.

Espicom. "World Pharmaceuticals Markets: Israel," June 2002.

Inside Business. "Innovation Dots the Bioscience Landscape of Israel," January 1, 2003.

Israeli Industry Center for Research and Development. "Biotechnology in Israel," 2002.

World Market Analysis. Israel: Country Overview. "Medical Suppliers: Pharmaceuticals and

Biotechnology, Including Generic Drugs," December 23, 2002.

Electronic

Canada. Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. "Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement," January 14, 2000. Downloaded from www.agr.gc.ca/progser/cifta_e.phtml on February 18, 2003.

- - -. "Country Profile of Israel," February 2001. Downloaded from www.infoexport.gc.ca/docs/view-e.asp?did=6094&gid=138 on February 18, 2003.

- - -. "Doing Business in Israel," September 2001. Downloaded from www.infoexport.gc.ca/docs/view-e.asp?did=6548&gid=138 on February 18, 2003.

- - -. "Israel: The Economy," September 2001. Downloaded from www.infoexport.gc.ca/docs/view-e.asp?did=6548&gid=138 on February 18, 2003.

Canada-Israel Industrial Research and Development Foundation. "CIIRDF's Future," 2002. Downloaded from www.ciirdf.ca/future.php on February 18, 2003.

- - -. "Joint Ventures," 2002. Downloaded from www.ciirdf.ca/projects.php on February 18, 2003.

Innovation Relay Centre Israel. "Biotechnology Based on Academic Research," 2002. Downloaded from www.irc.org.il/biotech/Bio%20Academic.htm on February 12, 2003.

- - -. "Biotechnology in Israel," 2002. Downloaded from www.irc.org.il/biotech/Revel.htm on February 12, 2003.

- - -. "Biotechnology in Israel: Realizing its Full Potential," 2002. Downloaded from www.irc.org.il/biotech/Vernia.htm on February 12, 2003.

Israel. Ministry of Industry and Trade. "Biotechnology Israel," June 2002. Downloaded from www.israeltrade.org.au/biotechnology5.html on February 26, 2003.

United States. Department of Agriculture. "Israel: Sanitary/Phytosanitary/Food Safety Regulations for Modified Corn and Soy Products," November 4, 2002. Downloaded from www.fas.usda.gov/gainfiles/200211/145784520.pdf on February 18, 2003.

OTHER REFERENCE MATERIAL

Useful Web Sites

Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade: www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca

ExportSource: exportsource.ca

InfoExport: www.infoexport.gc.ca

Innovation Relay Centre - Israel: www.irc.org.il/irc2003

Israel Biotechnology Company Database: www.irc.org.il/bio/classificationList.asp

Israel Government Gateway: www.info.gov.il

Israel's Business Arena: www.globes.co.il/serveen

Standards Institution of Israel: www.sii.org.il

1 All monetary amounts are expressed in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise indicated. The conversion rate to Canadian dollars is based on IDD Information Services, Tradeline, February 2003.

2 For contact information regarding key organizations mentioned in this report, see Key Contacts and Support Services.

3 An incubator is organized as a holding company to assist entrepreneurs in developing products with the financial assistance of private investors and the OCS. An incubator also helps the entrepreneur to find partners and potential investors, to enable successful exporting of the product.

4 The NOFAR program provides grants to support academic biotech research for projects that have potential in the industry.